Lycopene compositions and methods for protecting skin against ultraviolet radiation

Abstract

The invention is directed to compositions comprising lycopene and to methods of using the same, such as for improving one or more skin parameters. e.g., prevention or treatment of various skin-related conditions caused by ultraviolet radiation.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for improving one or more skin parameters in a subject in need thereof, comprising the step of administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising (a) lycopene; (b) phytoene and phytofluene; and (c) carnosic acid, wherein the weight ratio of (a) to (b) is from 1:0.3 to 1:0.6 and the weight ratio of (a) to (c) is from 1:0.1 to 1:0.4, and wherein said composition synergistically inhibits ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced interleukin 6 (IL-6) release, thereby improving one or more skin parameters in the subject. 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising a step of determining the level of a carotenoid in the skin of a subject, wherein a reduced level of said carotenoid in the skin of said subject compared to a control baseline is indicative of said subject being suitable for administering with said composition. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said subject is afflicted with a reduced level of a carotenoid. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said one or more skin parameters are selected from the group consisting of: face lines/wrinkles, mean skin carotenoid level, skin luminosity, skin radiance, and ultra-violet (UV)-induced damage. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said skin is the palm skin. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 4 , wherein said improving UV-induced damage in a subject comprises preventing or treating a skin-related condition caused by UV radiation in said subject. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 6 , wherein said treating comprises inhibiting the production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), erythema reduction, or any combination thereof, in said subject. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the weight ratio of (a) and (c) is from 1:0.2 to 1:0.4. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition further comprises tocopherol, and wherein the weight ratio of lycopene and tocopherol is from 1:0.3 to 1:0.5. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition further comprises beta-carotene, and wherein the weight ratio of lycopene and beta-carotene is from, 1:0.03 to 1:0.06. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition is an oral composition. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition further comprises a nutraceutical, a cosmeceutical, or a pharmaceutical acceptable excipient. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition is a cosmeceutical composition. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said composition is an anti-wrinkles composition. 
     
     
       15. A method for synergistically inhibiting UVB-induced IL-6 release in a subject in need thereof, comprising the step of administering to said subject an effective amount of a composition comprising (a) lycopene; (b) phytoene and phytofluene; and (c) carnosic acid, wherein the weight ratio of (a) to (b) is from 1:0.3 to 1:0.6 and the weight ratio of (a) to (c) is from 1:0.1 to 1:0.4, thereby synergistically inhibiting UVB-induced IL-6 release in the subject.